Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean of undergraduate studies for the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University, served as keynote speaker at the WiSE (Women in STEM Experience) symposium held recently at the University of Alabama. Carpenter, who also serves as president of Women in Engineering Programs Advocates Network, spoke to an audience of more than 200 attendees from four states about the impact that becoming involved in science and engineering professional organizations, especially those that support and advance women, can have on a female student’s career, both in academia and in industry. “The energy level was high and there were great networking opportunities as well as a number of interesting sessions and speakers, said Carpenter. I am happy to have been a part of it and I appreciated the opportunity to speak to this inspiring group of women students and faculty. Overall, the symposium was a great event.” The symposium, titled “Navigating the Future,” provided underrepresented female students the opportunity to network with professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, to participate in work sessions and hear guest speakers. “Over 200 women in STEM fields from universities throughout the southeast had the privilege of hearing Dr. Carpenter’s passionate keynote address on Saturday,” said Dr. Cori Perdue, graduate school programs director at the University of Alabama and coordinator of the event. “The audience was engaged and energetic, taking in Dr. Carpenter’s wisdom and guidance for how they too can become a successful woman in a STEM field.” Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu